Much of the contents of this book are based on empirical experience – been there, done it, got the T-shirt, and learnt by my own mistakes over a fifteen-year period; and so I hope that by passing on this experience, I might save the readers some grief of their own. The book is intended to serve two key purposes, which for many of its target audience, will overlap each other.
The book has been deliberately formulated to raise a continuous stream of questions throughout, which are intended to prompt the reader to relate them to their own particular business situation. If you keep asking yourself these questions at each stage, then hopefully you will avoid some of the problems that befall many new businesses in the early stages.
The biggest problem faced by small firms is that of surviving the first year or two. A basic knowledge of the process of planning and organizing a business can substantially increase the chances of survival, with or without the accompanying qualifications. This book is aimed at providing some of that knowledge and information to improve those chances. Good luck with your venture!